environment
World’s largest krill harvester at center of row over ‘blue tick’ sustainability label
Aker QRILL is facing criticism of its fishery management amid calls by environmentalists for curbs on Antarctic fishing of the keystone species
TL;DR
- Environmental groups object to the potential 'blue tick' sustainability label for Aker QRILL, the world's largest krill harvester.
- Concerns include concentrated fishing pressure and climate-driven effects on Antarctica's fragile ecosystem.
- A key conservation measure to disperse krill catch lapsed in 2024 due to political deadlock involving China and Russia.
- Scientists warn that climate changes are accelerating and increasing threats to krill populations.
- WWF and Asoc are calling for an immediate moratorium on krill fishing and a review of MSC certification.
- A draft report from LRQA recommended Aker QRILL's fishery be certified for another five years, despite environmental objections.
- Aker QRILL's CEO states the company is working to break the deadlock on conservation measures and has no interest in expanding its fishery.